León, a neo-noir fairy tale

Luc Besson created a neo-noir fairy tale with Léon, starring a mesmerising Jean Reno in the title role.

Besson directs with a sharp visual flair, the streets of Paris a glamorous backdrop for an emotionally complex fable.

Reno perfectly embodies Léon, a reclusive killer with a traumatic past who forms an unlikely bond with young Mathilda (Natalie Portman, in her debut). Their relationship blossoms with touching tenderness despite the criminal underworld.

Portman is electrifying in one of her first roles, in which she exudes a maturity beyond her years. Gary Oldman revels in his deplorable villainy as DEA agent Stansfield, counterbalancing warmth with emotion.

Besson finds poetry in violence while focusing on the themes of loss, revenge and unconditional care between broken souls. The film is a technical marvel, from the cinematography to the celebrated dialogue.

More than 25 years later, Léon's blend of action and emotional intelligence is still appreciated. It was the starting pistol for international careers and ranks among the all-time great films of its genre.

At the 1995 César Awards (the French version of the Oscars), it won Best Director and Best Cinematography.

Jean Reno also won the César for best actor, beating out established names. His tender killer is an indelible creation of the big screen.

In the United States, Natalie Portman won her first MTV Movie Award for Best Newcomer, launching her to worldwide fame.

At the international box office, Léon grossed $83 million on a budget of $15 million.